NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Cal Fire said Tuesday that its investigators have determined that equipment was the cause of the Steele fire in Napa County in late July.
The fire started in dry bush in the Berryessa Highlands community just before 4:30 p.m. on July 28, Cal Fire said.
It led to evacuations, destroyed eight structures and damaged four others, and burned 135 acres, according to Cal Fire.
Officials said dozens of firefighters from several counties assisted in extinguishing the blaze, which was burning as the Ranch and River fires on the Mendocino complex in Lake and Mendocino counties was growing.
While Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit investigators have determined the cause of the fire was equipment use, the agency did not specify what type of equipment when contacted by Lake County News.
Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones urged the public to use extreme caution while maintaining defensible space around their homes and reminds citizens that if they are found responsible for causing a fire they could face criminal or civil penalties. Remember “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.”
Cal Fire encourages all area residents to stay vigilant and prepare for wildfire.
For more information on how to stay prepared, visit www.readyforwildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.